Provider Edge Bridge VUNI and Hairpin Switching via VLAN Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Provider Edge Bridges do not support 'hairpin switching' and Virtual UNI (VUNI) functions, requiring additional hardware and being costly due to the need for a new S-VLAN Mapping component in existing remote customer service interface solutions.
Innovation Solution
Configuring existing C-VLAN and S-VLAN components in a Provider Edge Bridge to provide VUNI and Hairpin Switching services without the need for an S-VLAN Mapping component, by designating specific ports and configuring S-VIDs to enable these functionalities within the existing architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an S-VLAN Mapping component is added to support VUNI and Hairpin Switching functions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing S-VLAN component to perform both standard S-VLAN mapping functions and the additional VUNI/Hairpin switching functions through configuration changes. The S-VLAN component is designed to handle multiple service types (point-to-point OVCs, multipoint EVCs, VUNI, and Hairpin switching) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by introducing configurable parameters and dynamic table entries (such as the hairpin switching table and VUNI configuration tables) that allow the S-VLAN component to adapt its behavior based on service requirements. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same hardware component to serve multiple purposes without physical modification, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If an S-VLAN Mapping component is added to support VUNI and Hairpin Switching functions, then the functionality is improved, but the operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing S-VLAN component to perform both standard S-VLAN mapping functions and the additional VUNI/Hairpin switching functions through configuration changes. The S-VLAN component is designed to handle multiple service types (point-to-point OVCs, multipoint EVCs, VUNI, and Hairpin switching) without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thus resolving the contradiction between enhanced functionality and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of discarding and recovering by eliminating the need for a separate S-VLAN Mapping component that would be required in traditional implementations. Instead of adding new hardware and incurring associated operational costs, the invention recovers and reuses the existing S-VLAN component's capabilities through software configuration, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining full functionality
3Device complexity
If existing C-VLAN and S-VLAN components are configured to provide VUNI and Hairpin Switching services, then the hardware cost is reduced, but the configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration parameters, tables, and service profiles that simplify the setup process. The hairpin switching table, VUNI configuration tables, and default parameter settings are prepared in advance, allowing operators to configure VUNI and Hairpin switching services through straightforward parameter entry rather than complex manual configuration, thus reducing configuration complexity despite the enhanced functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing configurable parameters such as S-VID mapping tables, hairpin switching tables, and service profiles that can be dynamically adjusted. These parameter-based configurations allow the system to adapt to different service requirements through simple parameter modification rather than complex hardware reconfiguration, making the configuration process more manageable while reducing hardware costs
Data Source
AI summary
A method and Provider Edge Bridge for providing a C-tagged service interface or a port-based interface. In one embodiment, the Provider Edge Bridge includes a Customer Virtual Local Area Network (C-VLAN) component having a Customer Edge Port (CEP) and a plurality of Provider Edge Ports (PEPs). A first Service VLAN (S-VLAN) component is connected to the C-VLAN component and to a Metro Ethernet Network (MEN). A second S-VLAN component is connected to the C-VLAN component, to the first S-VLAN component, and to an External Network Network Interface (E-NNI). A plurality of ports on the first S-VLAN component facing the MEN are designated as S-VLAN Remote Customer Ports (RCPs) when the ports are connecting internal services in the MEN to provide the C-tagged service interface or the port-based interface to customers from a far side of the E-NNI.